In the countryside about 13 miles northeast of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, the vast majority of families make their living from farming. The area is rocky and dry. Lack of water has been the area's biggest challenge in the past, leading to problems such as poor hygiene, disease and food shortages due to small or destroyed harvests.

Two new wells in 2020

Together with the local partner organization Feed the Children Organization, FTCO, Erikshjälpen started a water project in 2017 to drill wells in the area. A drilled well costs approximately 215,000 Swedish kronor (SEK). By utilizing the sun's energy, and providing the wells with solar panel-powered pumps, families and entire villages have sustainably gained access to water that both improves health, develops agriculture and provides new income, as well as giving children better opportunities for education when they do not have to spend several hours every day to fetch water.

In 2020, two wells were completed in the area and are now used by a total of around 130 families, both for domestic and agricultural purposes. The operation and management of the wells has been handed over to the local communities, where teams have been appointed and trained to take care of different aspects of the management.

New income and more nutrition

Before the water project started in 2017, a study in the area showed, among other things, that 95% of families did not sell any crops at the market, as they needed everything they grew to feed their own family. The diet was monotonous and the lack of clean water caused poor hygiene and disease. Many women and children also had to spend a lot of time collecting water. In November 2020, a survey was conducted among families using three of the wells drilled in the project. The survey showed many positive results, including that all school-age children are now attending school. The incidence of diarrhoeal diseases is low. Food has become more varied and therefore more nutritious, which is especially important for growing children. More than 95% of families report that they have sold crops at the market in the past year, thereby earning an income.

Lindström's car has contributed to a change that is of great benefit to children and families today - but also for a long time to come. Access to clean water creates opportunities for good livelihoods and health, but also for children's education and security. It provides the conditions for families and entire communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

Author: Sofia Denzler

During Cecilia Hjort Attefall's years as chairman, Erikshjälpen has been characterized by strong growth and a high rate of change.

- "I have been on a fantastic journey together with Erikshjälpen. I feel great gratitude that the organization today is well equipped to continue the important work of giving life to children's dreams, says Cecilia Hjorth Attefall.

She emphasizes that the organization is currently in a favorable position for a change of chairman. A number of major processes have been completed, both in terms of idea development and practical issues, and a situation of stability offers good opportunities to start the next phase of Erikshjälpen's development.

- It is with great humility and joy that I take over as the new Chairman of the Board. Erikshjälpen works with the most important of important, children's rights. To continue this work together with all employees, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders is a privilege and a great responsibility, says Anna Lönn Lundbäck.

We will continue to grow to do more for more people

Anna has been a member of the Erikshjälpen Foundation's board since 2016 and has also previously been a member of the board of Erikshjälpen Second Hand, which means that she knows the business well.

A key role in child rights and Second Hand

The Erikshjälpen Foundation, with a focus on children's rights, and Erikshjälpen Second Hand work closely together and have a combined turnover of 440 million Swedish kronor (SEK). Erikshjälpen has extensive work in 18 countries, including a growing social work in Sweden, fundraising and event activities and the ambition to mobilize commitment and opinion to break the vulnerability of children. With Erikshjälpen Second Hand's 63 stores, Erikshjälpen is part of an important network of socially committed parishes and associations. The chairman of the foundation has an overall key role in all this.

- Erikshjälpen is a major player in many ways as we have extensive operations both in Sweden and internationally. We will continue to grow to be able to do more for more people and we will do it with quality and strongly rooted in our values, says Anna Lönn Lundbäck.

Handing over the baton

Anna Lönn Lundbäck will take up her new role immediately after Thursday's board meeting. Cecilia Hjorth Attefall will leave the board completely and will focus on her municipal political commitments in Jönköping and on the work in the consulting company, Solidus AB, she runs together with her husband.

- Cecilia has made a strong, indelible mark on the development of Erikshjälpen. Her colorful commitment, wise analysis and unifying leadership in a rare combination have taken the organization forward. We are as colleagues and board deeply grateful to her and wish her all the best in the future, says Erikshjälpens Secretary-General Daniel Grahn.